Port Harcourt, March 4, 2026 (NAN) The Nigerian Institution of Facilities Engineering and Management (NIFEngM) has warned that Nigeria’s economic growth could be undermined without proper integration of technology and energy systems.
The National Chairman of NIFEngM, Mr Christopher Egwuatu, gave the warning during the inauguration of newly elected executive committee members in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The event was themed: “Leveraging Technology and Energy Solutions for National Development and Infrastructure Security.”
Egwuatu said Nigeria faced significant challenges in energy, infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, security, manufacturing and the digital economy.
According to him, conventional approaches are no longer sufficient to address the country’s complex problems.
“These challenges require deliberate application of technology, stronger energy systems and the protection of critical infrastructure,” he said.
He stressed that technology and energy were central to economic growth, efficient governance and industrial development.
Egwuatu called for improved integration of digital tools, modern energy solutions and smart systems to enhance service delivery and safeguard national assets.
He said data, automation and cybersecurity must play stringer roles in protecting infrastructure and supporting economic activity.
“This event’s theme challenges us to examine how modern energy solutions can be integrated with digital technologies to diversify the economy, strengthen infrastructure security, reduce vulnerabilities and improve service delivery,” he said.
The NIFEngM chairman said the event brought together thought leaders, professionals, policymakers and government officials at a time when Nigeria’s development journey requires clarity of vision, strong leadership and innovation.
In her remarks, the new South-South Regional Chairman of NIFEngM, Mrs Adhekovweigho Emuejevoke, pledged to reposition the institution.
She said her administration would prioritize mentoring students and young engineers to prepare them for industry demands.
Emuejevoke also promised to strengthen membership development, capacity building and strategic partnerships.
“We need collective commitment to advance facilities development as a driver of resilient infrastructure and national development,” she said.
She urged members to adopt technology-driven and energy-efficient practices to enhance infrastructure security and service delivery. (NAN)
